Heritage takes centre stage with launch of Visit Essex’s Staycation Campaign

2nd May 2024

Visit Essex is launching its staycation campaign by journeying into the past to shine a light on the county’s standout history and heritage.

The county’s tourism organisation, Visit Essex, has unveiled a new film to reveal Essex’s unexpected historical connections, from the saffron trade in Saffron Walden to Henry VIII’s royal hunting grounds in Epping Forest. The film also retells the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, who set sail for the new world from Harwich onboard the Mayflower, and the Battle of Maldon, where Earl Byrhtnoth took on the Vikings back in 991 AD. 

The county has many hidden treasures ready to attract more visitors to the county. Lisa Bone, Tourism and Place Marketing Manager, Visit Essex, explains: “Essex has a surprising past and has been home to some of history’s most remarkable people and events; from Highwayman Dick Turpin to Queen of the Iceni, Boudicca, who defeated the Romans in Colchester. There’s so much more to our dynamic cities, bustling market towns and picturesque villages when you know the history behind them.”

She continues: “We’ll be exploring the county’s heritage throughout 2024. This will support the county’s historical attractions and the wider tourism economy. We’ll be working to entice more visitors for short breaks, long weekends and daytrips.” 

Latest figures reveal that 50.3 million daytrips took place in Essex, up from 37.1 million the previous year, which brought in just over £2 billion. There were 2.1 million overnight stays across the county, boosted from 1.5 million the year before, bringing in over £466 million to the county. 

Essex offers a wide range of heritage attractions, from its historic castles, mansion houses and gardens to its top museums and visitor centres. To support the launch of the staycation campaign, Visit Essex has also highlighted its top ten historical attractions. 

TOP 10 HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS IN ESSEX

Colchester Castle – The largest Norman Keep in Europe, Colchester Castle was built in the 11th century on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. The castle became a museum for archaeological treasures in 1860, and today, it is home to archaeological collections covering 2,500 years of history, including many of the most important Roman finds in Britain. 

Hedingham Castle – This motte-and-bailey castle and Norman Keep was built 900 years ago by the de Vere family. Since, the castle has been a defensive landscape for several wars and played host to Tudor royalty. Today the castle hosts a full events programme throughout the year, and the grounds and keep are open seven days a week for all to enjoy. 

Beach Huts – Colourful beach huts line many coastal areas of Essex. People have been enjoying beach huts at popular places like Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze for over 100 years. Now, these coastal areas are lined with pretty beach huts, perfect for an Instagram-worthy shot. 

Audley End House and Gardens – Originally the site of Walden Abbey, this spectacular 17th-century mansion was rebuilt on the scale of a royal palace. Robert Adams transformed the house in the 1760s, and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown remodelled the grounds to create one of England’s finest landscape gardens. Today, you can see life above and below stairs within the mansion, explore the landscaped parkland and meet the resident horses in the stable block.

Thames Sailing Barge – Thames Sailing Barges were the major cargo vessels enabling trade up and down the UK. Today, you can experience life onboard a traditional barge with Topsail Charters, which are based at the historic harbourside in Maldon. 

Chelmsford Museum – Founded in 1835, Chelmsford Museum was originally located inside part of the old Chelmsford Gaol. The collections were eventually moved to their current home in Oaklands House. Today, the museum houses objects that creatively retell the tales of local history and the heroes of Chelmsford.

Southend Pier – The oldest pier in Essex, Southend Pier was constructed in the early 19th century to allow visitors to dock at low tide. Today, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching out for 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary and is home to a wide range of eateries and amusements. 

Tiptree Jam, Museum and Tearooms – The Wilkin family created the very first Tiptree jam preserves in 1885, and within 10 years, more than 200 tonnes of fruit was being produced. Today, Wilkin & Sons jam is sold in over 60 countries. The world-famous preserves can be enjoyed by visitors, in quaint Tiptree tearooms across Essex. The Tiptree Jam Museum is also a must for jam-lovers. The museum is situated next to the factory and showcases various paraphernalia collected by Mr J. S. Wilkin over the years. 

Epping Forest and Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge – Epping Forest is home to 55,000 trees and was frequented by Tudor royals. King Henry VIII hunted within the forest’s grounds, and the hunting lodge was built for him. Queen Elizabeth I renovated the hunting lodge, and today you can learn about Tudor food, find out how the building was constructed and enjoy panoramic views of Epping Forest from the top floor.  

Historic Harwich – This historic maritime town was built in the 13th century by the Earl of Norfolk. The town was home to Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower, who took the first pilgrims to America in 1620. Today, you can visit Christopher Jones’ house, the Victorian Ha-penny pier, or catch a film at the Edwardian Electric Palace cinema.

TOP 10 HISTORICAL PLACES TO STAY

Downham Hall – Downham Hall dates back to the 16th century. The mansion was used as a large residential home to wealthy families. The current owners took over in 2017 and have since transformed the venue into a stylish countryside home, which boasts five bedrooms with contemporary décor. Room prices start at £94 per night.

Castle Hedingham – Sleep like royalty in The Royal Chamber at historic Hedingham Castle, with a grand four-poster bed in a classically designed room. It is the only modern bedroom in a Norman keep in the country! Prices start at £495 per night for bed and breakfast.

Layer Marney Glamping – Stay in stunning Essex countryside within the grounds of the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the UK. Layer Marney Tower stands at 80 feet tall, and the construction of the building was started by Lord Henry Marney, a close friend of King Henry VIII. Glamp under the stars, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and marvel at the grand building that has been around since the 16th century. Glamping starts from £159 per night, with a three-night minimum stay.

Greyfriars Hotel – Set within an 18th-century neo-classical building, Greyfriars Hotel offers 26 luxuriously appointed bedrooms, including Grand Luxe Signature Suites, Deluxe Suites and Junior Suites. Each room is unique, reflecting the history of the three buildings, ranging from the 17th century, the early part of the 20th century and the 21st century restoration. Room prices start at £115 per night. 

Wivenhoe House Hotel – This Grade II listed mansion house was built in the 18th century. Set in the beautifully landscaped Wivenhoe Park, the hotel and its grounds were painted by John Constable, whose artwork has been celebrated for over 200 years. The hotel offers a range of contemporary rooms, some with scenic views of the Essex countryside. Rooms start from £120 per night.

Down Hall – The manor of Down Hall dates all the way back to the early 11th century. Today, Down Hall Estate sits within 110 acres of surrounding woodland, with luxury interiors and ornate ceilings. Down Hall also hosted the Great British Bake Off in 2020! The manor offers 98 individually designed bedrooms, including Master Suites, Mansion House Suites and Deluxe Rooms. Room prices start from £169 per night.

Mistley Thorn Hotel – This hotel was built as a coaching inn in the early 18th century. Located near the banks of the Stour, the setting had a much sinister past. The Witchfinder General would try people for witchcraft and he is believed to be responsible for the death of 300 women. Today the village offers a much more tranquil setting in the pretty estuarine village of Mistley. The Mistley Thorn now offers stylish accommodation and tasty food. Rooms are priced from £120 per night.

Talliston House B&B – Once an ordinary house, Talliston House Bed and Breakfast has been renovated to transport visitors to another time and place. There is a variety of rooms to stay in. Some include The Room of Dreams, designed after a Moorish bedchamber, and The Cabin, a period log cabin that emulates a trapper’s house in the Canadian wilderness. A stay at Talliston B&B starts at £145 per night (The Cabin) or £165 per night (The Room of Dreams or Moorish bedchamber).

Lee Valley – Located close to historic Epping Forest, Lee Valley offers the perfect base to explore the surrounding areas. Camping Pods are a great cosy option, while Peaky Pods come complete with bedding and all the fixings for a countryside stay. For larger parties, there’s also a detached house that sleeps six with a private garden, perfect for allowing the children to run about. Pod prices begin at £42 per night. 

To discover more, visit www.visitessex.com. 

ENDS
Notes to Editor: 
To view the new film click here

Lisa Bone, Strategic Tourism Manager, Visit Essex is available for interview – please contact Hilary or Xyra, or call 01206 231807.  

VISIT ESSEX

Visit Essex is the official tourism organisation and the only body specifically marketing the whole of the county to the visitor market. We work with visitor attractions, leisure/activity providers, accommodation establishments and other tourism related businesses (including the travel trade, media and wider partners), to ensure that the county remains a leading visitor destination.

Our work encompasses major marketing campaigns, high profile PR work, business support, and the management and promotion of the official Visit Essex brand. Visit Essex will ensure that the county gets the recognition it deserves as a desirable place to visit in the 21st century. We will work closely with partners to develop a sustainable tourism offering for the future, identify new markets and harness visitors at the county's major gateways of Stansted, Harwich, Southend and Tilbury.

For further information:
Hilary Collins, hilary@wearebigwavepr.co.uk, 01206 231807.
Xyra Speed, xyra@wearebigwavepr.co.uk.